Authors: Erika Daley (Roger Williams University), Augustina Dickinson (Roger Williams University), Ana Santana (Roger Williams University).

Part of Italian culture consists in going to markets to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, bread, and other local produce. Therefore, as part of our integration into the lifestyle, we took it upon ourselves to make routine visits to local markets, including “Mercato Centrale” and the “Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio” to gain a better understanding of Florentine customs.

When first walking into “Mercato Centrale”, we felt slightly overwhelmed by all of the options and aromas. Butchers stood by their meat stands cutting up different meats, bakers opened their ovens revealing freshly baked bread, sellers helped customers choose products from cheese to vegetables and fruit, and locals scurried around in search of fresh goods. There was a sense of order and community, which we were not accustomed to. Back in the States, we do not have the same sense of community as in the Italian markets; Americans usually just go about their own business, whereas in the markets the Italians engage in dialogue. We learned that by doing so people build trust and relationships with one another, which makes the experience at the market better and more meaningful.

While spending time in the markets, we also noticed that Italians value fresh food harvested from local farms around the city. When the food is locally grown, it is cheaper and better quality. Overall, if ever traveling through Italy or staying for a long period of time like ourselves, take part in going to the market and experiencing the culture and wide variety of fresh foods.